Writing Common Mistake: Grammar Mistakes
1. Understanding the Mistake
Grammar is a core component of the IELTS Writing test, as it directly impacts your score for Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Common grammar mistakes include:
- Tense Errors: Inconsistent or incorrect use of verb tenses.
- Subject-Verb Agreement: Using the wrong verb form with singular or plural subjects.
- Sentence Structure Issues: Creating incomplete sentences (fragments) or overly long, confusing sentences (run-ons).
- Incorrect Punctuation: Misplacing or omitting commas, periods, and other punctuation marks.
These errors can hinder the clarity and flow of your writing, making it difficult for examiners to follow your argument and assess your language proficiency.
2. How to Avoid This Mistake
Improving grammar requires focused practice and attention to detail. Here are strategies to help:
a. Review Basic Grammar Rules
Ensure you have a solid understanding of fundamental grammar concepts:
- Tenses: Review when to use past, present, and future tenses.
- Subject-Verb Agreement: Match subjects and verbs correctly, especially in complex sentences.
b. Practice Writing Complex Sentences
Demonstrate your grammatical range by practising sentences with subordinate clauses, relative clauses, and conditionals.
- Example: Although technology has made communication more convenient, it has also reduced face-to-face interactions.
c. Edit and Proofread Your Work
Always review your writing for grammar errors. Focus on common problem areas, such as tense consistency and subject-verb agreement.
d. Use Grammar Check Tools
Tools like Grammarly or the grammar checker in Microsoft Word can help identify errors and suggest corrections. However, don’t rely solely on these tools; use them as a learning aid.
e. Seek Feedback from a Tutor
Have a qualified tutor or teacher review your writing and provide feedback on grammar. They can help you identify patterns of mistakes and suggest targeted exercises.
3. Examples of This Mistake and How to Fix It
Poor Example (Tense Errors)
Last year, I am studying English in London.
Problem: The sentence mixes past and present tenses incorrectly.
Improved Example
Last year, I studied English in London.
Why It Works: The verb “studied” correctly reflects the past tense.
Poor Example (Subject-Verb Agreement)
The number of students are increasing every year.
Problem: The singular subject “number” should take a singular verb.
Improved Example
The number of students is increasing every year.
Why It Works: The verb “is” agrees with the singular subject “number.”
Poor Example (Sentence Fragments)
Because people want to improve their health.
Problem: This is an incomplete sentence, as it lacks an independent clause.
Improved Example
People engage in regular exercise because they want to improve their health.
Why It Works: The sentence now includes a complete thought.Writing Common Mistake 6: Failure to Use Complex Sentences
1. Understanding the Mistake
In IELTS Writing, using a variety of sentence structures is crucial to achieving a high score in Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Many candidates rely heavily on simple sentences, which limits their ability to convey complex ideas effectively. A simple sentence contains one independent clause, whereas a complex sentence includes one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Examiners expect test-takers to demonstrate their ability to use complex and compound sentences to express relationships between ideas.
Common issues include:
- Overusing simple sentences, resulting in a choppy and basic style.
- Misusing complex structures, leading to grammatical errors.
- Avoiding complex sentences due to a lack of confidence in grammar.
2. How to Avoid This Mistake
Developing the skill to write complex sentences takes practice and a clear understanding of sentence structures. Here are strategies to help:
a. Understand Sentence Types
Learn the different types of sentences:
- Simple Sentence: The Internet has revolutionised communication.
- Compound Sentence: The Internet has revolutionised communication, and it has made information more accessible.
- Complex Sentence: Although the Internet has revolutionised communication, it has also created new challenges.
b. Use Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions help create complex sentences by linking dependent and independent clauses.
- Common subordinating conjunctions: because, although, since, while, if.
Example:
Although online learning is convenient, it requires strong self-discipline.
c. Use Relative Clauses
Relative clauses provide additional information about a noun.
- Relative pronouns: who, which, that, whose, where.
Example:
Students who practise writing regularly tend to score higher in the IELTS test.
d. Include Conditional Sentences
Conditional sentences express hypothetical situations.
- Example: If governments invest in renewable energy, they can reduce carbon emissions.
e. Practice Combining Sentences
Take simple sentences and combine them to form complex ones. This will help you build confidence and improve your grammatical range.
3. Examples of This Mistake and How to Fix It
Poor Example (Overuse of Simple Sentences)
People are using social media. It helps them stay connected. It can also lead to isolation.
Problem: The repetitive use of simple sentences makes the writing sound basic and lacks sophistication.
Improved Example
While social media helps people stay connected, it can also lead to feelings of isolation.
Why It Works: This complex sentence shows the relationship between the ideas, improving cohesion and grammatical range.
Poor Example (Incorrect Use of Complex Sentences)
Although people use social media, but it can be addictive.
Problem: The sentence incorrectly combines “although” and “but.”
Improved Example
Although people use social media, it can be addictive.
Why It Works: The corrected sentence uses only one subordinating conjunction, maintaining grammatical accuracy.
Get your writing assessed by a trained examiner
